Organized by the Association of Mayors of France, the Heritage Foundation, the French Building Federation, and the Savings Bank, the “Rubans du Patrimoine” contest aims to reward communities, and thereby the Mayors of France, who have particularly distinguished themselves in the improvement of living environments and built heritage.
Every year, national and departmental awards are granted to the winning communities.
This year, the town of Biot received this award for the restoration of the Sainte-Marguerite Church, which serves as a place of worship, tourism, and culture.
Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church is a stunning setting for the religious artworks it houses, including the two 16th-century altarpieces flanking the main staircase: “The Virgin of the Rosary” by Louis Bréa and “The Christ of Pain” tentatively attributed to Guillaume Canavesio.
Listed on December 5, 1984, in the Inventory of Historical Monuments, the church is a remarkable structure, the result of various construction periods but presenting a dominant Italian influence in its spatial distribution and ornamentation. Its distinctive features include two bell towers, two entrances, and a staircase descending to the nave.
A bit of history…
From 1995 to 1998, the Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church underwent a complete restoration of its roof and facades under the direction of the Chief Architect of Historical Monuments, J.-Cl. Yarmola.
But in 2000, a study commissioned by the Regional Conservation of Historical Monuments of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC), at the request of the municipality, highlighted new necessary interventions for the conservation, consolidation, and enhancement of the church. The recommendations of this study, finalized in 2002, were not immediately acted upon.
On March 6, 2008, at the request of the DRAC, the municipality commissioned an additional assessment, entrusted to the Architect of Historical Monuments.
In light of this assessment, the City of Biot decided to launch a comprehensive interior restoration program. To achieve this, the Municipal Council budgeted 2 million euros and approved joining the Heritage Foundation in order to initiate a subscription and apply for additional funding. The work began in September 2011.
Heritage Foundation (matching grants): €55,357 for the years 2011 and 2012.
